We endeavour to read the newspaper as often as possible, knowing that there is so much to learn in this vast region of Southeast Asia. This week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, they started the trial for Kaing Guek Eav, otherwise known as 'Duch' - the first of the Khmer Rouge leaders from the Pol Pot regime to be tried for crimes against humanity. I'm not sure if you have this news at home. It is incredible to think that so much has been kept quiet for so long. Kaing Guek Eav is now 69 years old and has confessed his crimes - so of course this will help the cause of historical accuracy a lot as he now prepares to 'tell all'. There is a lot about it each day in the paper, and much of the trial is being broadcast live in Cambodia on radio and television.
In Cambodia for the first time in the last 30 years school students only now finally have a textbook that actually deals with Pol Pot and that whole era of atrocity.
On a lighter note, yesterday's newspaper also had a photo and article about the latest Water Reservoir about to be completed near here. Did you know that Singapore's water comes from 15 of these massive reservoirs, which convert sea water into salt-free water for the population's use. Jess is annoyed as she recently thought of this as an idea and is gutted that someone has got it first!
I have just finished teaching this topic - would love to have a paper on this article. It is just the most amasing thing ever the Khmer Rouge - it is so terrible it is almost unbelievable - most of the students can not believe it even happened! CJ did get the card -we have written our second letter to Celia - maybe this time we will send it!! Love to you all.
ReplyDelete